Leeds lap dancing club licence sparks heritage fears in historic city centre quarter
Opposition to lap dancing club’s licence renewal
A lap dancing club in a historic city centre location is facing opposition to the annual renewal of its licence.
Heritage group Leeds Civic Trust has objected to a licence application from Whiskey Down, near the city’s Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Market.
The club on Crown Street requires a sex establishment licence which must be re-issued by the council every 12 months.
The group raised concerns over the impact on historic buildings and a religious centre next the club.
The Civic Trust said: “We do not consider the proposed use to be beneficial to the regeneration of this area, which has benefited from local and national public funds.
“The site is surrounded by important historic buildings, including the Grade I-listed Corn Exchange, which has family use, and is next to a building which has a religious use, the Kadampa Buddhist Centre.”
Councillors are due to consider the licence renewal application at a hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday (May 26).
A renewed licence would see the club continue to open until 5am at weekends and 4am during the week.
In 2013 Leeds City Council introduced tougher controls on the number of city centre lap dancing clubs and locations they were allowed to operate in.
Tokyo Industries, which operates Whiskey Down, submitted a list of safety measures to protect staff and customers.
They included CCTV in the venue and age checks being carried out on customers.
The club’s code of conduct said: “There is no physical contact between customers and performers.
“Customers must treat the performers with respect. Verbally abusing or attempting to touch a dancer will result in immediate ejection from the premises.”